Arthritis pain: The best way to travel to avoid joint pain

Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and restricted movement, all of which can make travelling difficult.

But with a bit of planning, there’s no reason why your holiday shouldn’t go off without a hitch. Try these tips from the Arthritis Foundation to ensure you enjoy your holiday with minimal pain and inconvenience.

Book smart

If you can, choose a flight that leaves mid-week to avoid weekend congestion at airports or train stations. Book a seat with extra legroom, or at least an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs more easily.

When booking your hotel, make sure to request a room near the lift, or one that doesn’t require you to climb endless flights of stairs.

Get VIP treatment

Airports are happy to provide a motorised escort to your gate, which might be a very long walk from the check-in desk, so don’t be shy about taking them up on it.

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They can also offer wheelchairs and pre-boarding, so you can get to your seat with minimal discomfort and without having had to stand for extended periods in a queue.

Keep moving

Sitting still for long periods on a plane can cause stiffness. Get up from your seat as often as you can, at least once an hour if it’s safe to do so. If you’re driving, schedule in time for plenty of comfort breaks.

The foundation also suggests doing simple exercises at your seat, such as stretching, flexing and holding muscles for five seconds.

Choose a warm climate

Many arthritis sufferers find that their joint pain worsens in the cold weather, so head for the sunshine to minimise pain while you’re away.

Warmer temperates also allow you to keep active outdoors, walking or swimming, which helps to ease stiff joints.

GETTYArthritis pain: Choosing a warm climate may help with joint stiffness

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Arthritis pain: Choosing a warm climate may help with joint stiffness

Travel insurance

You must tell your travel insurance provider about your pre-existing medical condition. It’s thought that around one in 20 people don’t declare a pre-existing condition, but if you don’t, they might refuse to help you if your condition flares up.

Hopefully you won’t need to use the insurance, but it gives you peace of mind as you’re enjoying your holiday.

Medication

If you are travelling abroad to a country with a substantial time difference from the UK, it’s wise to set reminders on your phone or watch to ensure you don’t forget to take medication.

Some experts suggest asking your GP for an extra written prescription to take with you on holiday in case you lose your medication. It’s also good practice to know the location of your nearest pharmacy and hospital at your holiday destination.

Pack light

Travelling won’t be easy for your joints, but you can minimise the stress on your body by packing light and choosing luggage with wheels and padded shoulder straps for comfort.

Don’t forget to leave room for packing lifestyle aids, such as portable blow-up toilet seats, travel chairs and walking sticks, says the Arthritis Foundation. Even if you think you won’t need them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Choose meals carefully

You might be tempted to make unhealthy meal choices while you’re away, and while a holiday is definitely a time for treats, try not to choose too many foods that promote inflammation in the body.

Carry healthy snacks, drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol and caffeine, both of which can lead to inflammation. The organisaion also urges sufferers to avoid options with too much sugar.

Taking a daily vitamin tablet is also thought to help protect joints and reduce strain. “Supplementing your diet with a multivitamin is a good way to get the nutrients you may lack in your diet,” the Arthritis Foundation says. “Strong joints [and overall joint health] will benefit from bone-building calcium and vitamin K.”

Limiting the amount of coffee and caffeinated drinks you consume should also ease painful arthritic joints. Studies show that caffeine can weaken bones and exacerbate the pain associated with arthritis.

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